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Sunday, September 30, 2012

staycation {part.1}

{12th century church from my bedroom window}

Staycation 2012 began on Wednesday, 12th September when my mother (aka Eilo) and Godmother arrived at the TGV station in Aix-en-Provence, followed a couple days later by their cohorts; the two Texan sisters, Miss Vicki and JoDelle.

You know what's the best part about having Americans come to visit? All of the American goodness they bring, like; Mac & Cheese, Hidden Valley Ranch packets, and so many magazines that I'll have to take a couchcation just to get through them all (including the People with naughty Prince Harry on the cover... Kate can have William... I only have eyes for Harry, that wee scamp).

I jest. The best part of having Americans visit, is well, having Americans visit.

When Americans (or anybody really) come to visit me and The LPV, there are certain things that I think are absolute must do's and must sees.

The first must see is of course Fifty. He has to be acquainted with any visitors as soon as possible. Sniffing and licking new arrivals is an absolute must in Fifty's book. And even though he hasn't seen his Grandma Eilo for two years (except on Skype), I'm happy to report that he recognized her right away and it took all of two seconds before he was on his back showing off his furry belly (Fifty would sell his soul for a belly rub).

The next must do is eating. Traveling all of the way from Texas to The LPV is not for the lighthearted and the best way to restore one's constitution is with some classic French Bistro fare prepared lovingly by moi. In this case, eggs on horseback (it's just a fried egg on top of a hamburger with a butter and caper sauce... not a horse in sight), served with Petit Chablis for the white drinkers and a bottle of Haut-Médoc for the red.

After a good night's sleep (aided by all that Petit Chablis and Haut-Médoc), a tour of The LPV is in order.

Visiting the house that's been eaten by a tree is definitely a must-see in my book (that thing is right behind my house... C R E E P Y). And after climbing the steep path to the 12th Century church that's tolling bell will ensure that you never, ever sleep past 7am (it's The LPV's alarm clock), you will build up quite an appetite just in time for the next must-do... Le Bar au Vin.

And after a jet lagged evening spent sipping Champagne, nibbling on tapenades, fois gras, and ham infused with truffle oil (it's like angels dancing on your tongue), while playing with the Sommelier's toddler daughter and her cat, Balthazar (both live above le bar au vin), there is only one must-do left for the day... sleep.

bisou

P.S. Stay tuned for the next chapter: Avignon and the arrival of Miss Vicki, JoDelle, and their luggage.

Yippee, I can't wait to read all the rest Sara! And it looks like you are a skilled hostess that knows just how to pamper your long-haul visitors. No surprise there.

As for the wine bar, we popped in but they were already booked for the night. But the owner could NOT have been nicer and gave us the biggest smile when we said that we had been sent by you and G! Next time...

this is what I love / what freaks me out about Europe. there are 12th c churches just lying around. I'm still not used to the fact that they're all over the place where Jon's family lives. once we got lost while driving to a thing in the deepest countryside, and Jon's mother oriented herself by finding a castle. A CASTLE. crazy.

Petit Chablis with eggs is a brilliant pairing. Done that a few times and even when the eggs are floating in a rich red wine reduction full of bacon and mushrooms it is still the perfect wine. Good call my lady!

Having spent many summer visits in your area, I really enjoy your writing, and humor, about the countryside around you. How about a recipe for the butter and caper sauce that goes on the egg/burger? sound scrumptious. We serve a bison burger, rare, on a fresh salad here in Austin. You are living my fantasy.

Excuse me? "ham infused with truffle oil" Where does this magic come from? That sounds like the most delicious thing I've heard of all week. Ooh a ham truffle omelette...would that work? More deets on this, please!!!

And I don't know why but "Hidden Valley Ranch" made me chuckle..it's so specific! : )

I, like you, have only eyes for Harry too! Since he was 10 and I was 8, I've always thought he was a stud. And even when I was 8 and William was 12, I never thought he was a looker. Don't know what it is, but Team Harry all the way.

Also, I like the way this staycation is progressing so far. Animals, food, wine, sleep, creepy house, wine, food, sleep. You've got me sold. (Except for the tolling bell...that would possibly get a wee bit annoying no?)

...

Fáilte, Bienvenue, and Welcome!
After ten years living life as an American expat in Europe, I've returned to the States with my French husband and dog in tow.
Follow along on my adventures and misadventures as I bid adieu to the Gypsy lifestyle while trying to set down roots and navigate my new life as an ex-expat back 'home' again.